Van Halen (with Roth) sets two Chicago shows

Last month, we got confirmation that a Van Halen reunion tour was going to happen — with singer David Lee Roth — and today we got the dates. The 45-concert tour will include two swings through the Chicago area: first on Feb. 24 at United Center, and again April 1 at the Allstate Arena. The

Last month, we got confirmation that a Van Halen reunion tour was going to happen — with singer David Lee Roth — and today we got the dates. The 45-concert tour will include two swings through the Chicago area: first on Feb. 24 at United Center, and again April 1 at the Allstate Arena.

The outing supports “A Different Kind of Truth,” the first new material recorded with Roth, 57, since 1984. “Tattoo,” the album’s first single and video, is due Tuesday, and the album is released Feb. 7 via Interscope.

Tickets for both Chicago shows are on sale Jan. 14 via Ticketmaster.

The band’s restless leadership included Roth in its early ’80s heyday (“Jump,” “Panama”). The band switched singers in 1985, adding Sammy Hagar, who kept the hits coming (“Why Can’t This Be Love,” “When It’s Love”). Hagar was booted in 1996; Extreme singer Gary Cherone briefly led the band. Hagar returned for tours in ’03 and ’05, then Roth toured with the band in ’07.

Behind the mike, founding players Eddie and Alex remain on guitar and drums, respectively. Original bassist Michael Anthony was replaced in 2007 by Eddie’s son, Wolfgang.